East Texas Family Prepares to Honor Son at The Rose Parade

TYLER – An East Texas couple, who lost their teenage son last year, were joined in Tyler Monday by those who received their son’s organs. Gayla and Ronnie Matthews’ 16 year old son Cam’ron, died after collapsing on the sidelines of an Alto High School football game. His organs were donated to three persons. To honor their son, a floragraph has been built of him. They put finishing touches on it Monday afternoon. The floragraph will be displayed on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float. It will be seen in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena California on January 2nd.

A floragraph is a portrait of the organ donor and is made of all organic materials. After it is created, it is incorporated into the actual float.

The Matthews were joined in Tyler Monday by the recipients of Cam’ron’s organs. There was Ronnie Irwin, who received Cam’ron’s right lung, Daniel Obregon, who received his liver, and Dana Hall who received his right kidney and pancreas.

Cam’ron collapsed on the sidelines during a home game against Price-Carlisle on October 16, 2015. He died the following day. It was first thought his death was caused by an aneurysm. But an autopsy showed his death was caused by “anoxic encephalopathy following resuscitation from cardiac arrest from unspecified blunt impact.” Anoxic encephalopathy is a condition where the brain can not get enough oxygen due to lack of blood flow. Officials also stated he suffered from bleeding and swelling of the brain.